Liverpool-born writer and playwright Andrew Sherlock unveils Fall From Ireland, a powerful historical novel deeply rooted in the Irish-Liverpool experience. Adapted from his critically acclaimed stage play Fall From Grace the novel vividly portrays migration, faith, and survival amid the shifting tides of 20th-century history. Originally staged in the 1990s, Fall From Grace captivated audiences with its raw, heartfelt storytelling intertwining personal struggles with political upheaval. The play resonated deeply with Liverpool’s Irish community, reflecting a history shared in pubs, family gatherings, and working-class streets. Now, Fall From Ireland expands this narrative, bringing it to a new generation of readers. At the heart of the novel is Mary Dolan, a young Irishwoman arriving in Liverpool in1928, burdened by secrets from her past. Her struggle to build a life with her husband, Pat Deasy, is marked by poverty, anti-Catholic prejudice, and the resilience of a community that has made Liverpool its home. When circumstances force the Deasys back to rural Ireland, they face not only family tensions but an Ireland still grappling with its own troubled past.

The novel weaves together personal struggles with broader political and social movements, offering an honest, unsentimental look at how migration shapes identity. Sherlock captures the humour, toughness, and survival instincts of Liverpool’s Irish population - people who built the docks, shaped the city’s music and culture, and endured the challenges of displacement. Drawing from his own Irish Catholic and Liverpool Protestant heritage, Sherlock crafts a story that explores the complexities of belonging.

 

“Liverpool and Ireland are bound by more than history,” says Sherlock. “The Irish gave Liverpool its soul - its sharp  humour, its fighting spirit, and its deep sense of community. Fall From Ireland is my tribute to those stories, to the  voices of the past, and to the city itself. ”Written in a style that blends lyrical Irish storytelling with the energy of Liverpool’s working-class life, Fall From Ireland is an evocative, immersive read that speaks to anyone who has experienced the pull of two homelands. The original stage play Fall From Grace received widespread acclaim for its powerful depiction of 20th-century Liverpool and Ireland. The Guardian hailed it as a work that “recognises from the start that the personal is also the political,” while The Sunday Express praised its unflinching exploration of faith, war, and economic hardship. The novel builds upon this legacy, offering a rich, layered narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences.

Fall From Ireland is available now: Fall From Ireland
For interview requests, review copies, or further details, please contact: fallfromireland@gmail.com

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About the Author
Andrew Sherlock is a playwright and author known for his vivid storytelling and deep exploration of the Irish-Liverpool experience. Born to an Irish Catholic father and a Protestant Liverpool mother, Sherlock draws upon his rich heritage to craft narratives that blend historical depth with humour, warmth, and political insight. Fall From Ireland is the novel adaptation of his critically acclaimed stage play Fall From Grace, which received praise for its powerful portrayal of 20th-century social and political history. His work is informed by family stories, historical research, and first-hand
accounts of the Irish diaspora, making his writing both authentic and compelling.

 

About Fall From Ireland
Fall From Ireland is a historical fiction novel that follows Mary Dolan, an Irish immigrant navigating life in Liverpool in the late 1920s. Through themes of emigration, religious conflict, and family resilience, the novel captures the struggles and spirit of the Irish community that shaped Liverpool’s identity. Adapted from the acclaimed stage play Fall From Grace, the novel brings to life a world of hardship, humour, and enduring strength, set against the backdrop of economic depression, sectarian tensions, and the evolving political landscape of Ireland and the UK.

 

 

For more information, visit www.andrewsherlock.co.uk